For soldier, a kick to be home Soccer games help in transition to civilian life

March 21, 2006|LAUREEN FAGAN Tribune Staff Writer

When Joshua Garcia returned from Iraq in February, his friends and family found a novel way to welcome him home with open arms. And a few swift kicks. Garcia, 25, of Mishawaka, is a U.S. Army reservist who came home just a few weeks ago after a year driving trucks in a transport unit. Now, he's playing soccer with his fiancee, Michelle Dorney of Mishawaka, and other loved ones who created the team to help Garcia transition back into civilian life. "It was definitely unexpected," said Garcia, who said coming home was the best feeling in his life. Dorney, 21, was equally thrilled to have him home. Fabulous, she said. "It doesn't feel real yet," she added. "It'll take awhile." But the team -- playing its fourth game on a recent Friday evening -- is helping. "It's so that he could jump back into normal life," explained Nichol Berger, 27, Doreny's sister and a Mishawaka High School graduate now living in LaPaz. As players swapped in and out -- laughing at their novice-level play, replete with errant kicks and blocks -- it was obvious the matches were a hit, and not just for Garcia. "It's fun to be out and be active with my friends," said Arielle Schmidt, 21, another Mishawaka resident, as she stepped back into the box and another player jumped out. For his part, Garcia looked like he was enjoying the game, encouraging his teammates and getting some exercise. "Being away from family and friends, spending time away in a wartime environment is difficult," he said. "You're in a place where not too many people want to be." He did, however, play a little soccer over in Iraq. "With my unit," he said, "and against other units and some civilians." Can the Iraqis play? Garcia laughed. "There are a few of 'em who were not too bad."Staff writer Laureen Fagan: lfagan@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6344